Physics for Future Presidents

The Science Behind the Headlines

By: Richard A. Muller

Narrated by: Pete Larkin

Length: 10 hrs and 26 mins

Publisher's summary

We live in complicated, dangerous times. They are also hyper-technical times. As citizens who will elect future presidents of the most powerful and influential world, we need to know - truly understand, not just rely on television's talking heads - if Iran's nascent nuclear capability is a genuine threat to the West, if biochemical weapons are likely to be developed by terrorists, if there are viable alternatives to fossil fuels that should be nurtured and supported by the government, if nuclear power should be encouraged, and if global warming is actually happening.

Written in everyday, nontechnical language, Physics for Future Presidents explains the science behind the concerns that our nation faces in the immediate future. Even active readers of serious journalism will be surprised at the lessons contained herein. It is must-have information for all presidents - and citizens - of the 21st century.

©2006 Richard A. Muller (P)2011 Tantor

Critic reviews

"Should be required reading for all informed citizens, as well as Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, and John McCain." ( Publishers Weekly)

scientific analysis that every layman needs

everyone who desires to understand how the world economy functions according to physics needs to listen to this book and internalize the lessons

Very dated, passive aggressive political stance

Much of the information on global warming out of date.

Not crazy about the author inferring that he is just presenting facts while subtly injecting his viewpoint. Should just come out and say, "In my opinion...". Would be easier to respect his message, even if I disagree.

Dated but still highly relevant.

physics don't change. it's a great way to learn energy limits, nukes, and climate change science.

Informative

I have read many similar books to this one , although I was surprised at some of the relevant insights discussed herein.

Great information and an interesting delivery

Would you consider the audio edition of Physics for Future Presidents to be better than the print version?

You will need to view the charts but the book is very well presented in audio-format.

What other book might you compare Physics for Future Presidents to and why?

"Gusher of Lies" and "Power Hungry" - both by Bryce come to mind.

Any additional comments?

After digesting a lot of the material you’ll certainly be more informed on the complexity involved in this modern world. As the book says- we live in a very complex and dangerous world. The problems we face are significantly more technical and layered than most people would like to admit. This is a great overview of some very interesting aspects of physics. I listen to a lot of non-fiction and specifically a lot of books that deal with various science disciplines and I can say this is one of the more interesting.

Pay close attention to the nuclear sections. This portion of the book should be required reading for anyone who is really interested in energy policy and what the actual benefits and possible dangers are of this amazing energy source. It also puts into perspective the complexity of nuclear weapons. It will become immediately clear that it’s far from practical for anyone but a very motivated nation to construct this type of complex device.

Well worth the credit and the narrator is clear as a bell in 1.5 speed (my normal listening speed).

Lots of good information

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

The commentary tends to the conservative side of politics, has if everybody has had enough of science profreessors messing around with politics.

Any additional comments?

Recommended by a science orientated

fun to listen to when cooking!

I loved to listen each morning as I cooked breakfast. i found it very very interesting, lots of fun numbers and calculations to ponder!

Awesome

This book should be required reading, listening, for highschool kids!

Its very good and can be enjoyed by any level of education and political leaning.

Hard Topics Covered Well

i really wish some of these books came with a PDF of the images and sources. Quotes weren't distinguished well, but all in all, some very complex topics were broken down into bipartisan solutions. Definitely a book I'll come back to.

Physics for policy makers

Concise and well-reasoned. Originally saw videos of professor on youtube. This one delivers and never loses the listener.